[BigRedChief]

, July 30, 2008: Afternoon Practice
It was another pleasant afternoon at the Chiefs training camp. The sun was shining bright in the sky and the temperature was 86 degrees. The players, coaches, staff, and the 117 fans in attendance were refreshed by a 12 mile per hour wind coming out of the northwest. The humidity hung right around 39 percent.

Special Teams
Punter Dustin Colquitt demonstrated why he is one of the best in the league at his position. Colquitt’s punts drew positive responses from people watching on the sideline. “That thing was up in the clouds,” said one man who commented on Colquitt’s impressive hang time. While Colquitt punted, cornerbacks Rashad Barksdale, Maurice Leggett and kick returner B.J. Sams worked on timing, calling and locating the ball for the return.

Another punt drill had Special Teams Coach Mike Priefer asking for Kicker Connor Barth. “Barth, where is Connor Barth?” he questioned the players as Barth ran from the sideline to the 30-yard line for the next drill. Barth simulated punts as members of the cover unit practiced shooting through the gap and blocking the punt.
Kicker Nick Novak missed two kicks from the 37-yard line from the left hash while warming up. His first hit the left post and his second was wide left. However, Novak would make all of his four kicks during the actual drill. He kicked from the left hash 20, middle 22, right hash 27 and left hash 32-yard lines. Kicker Connor Barth would kick and make two during the drill. He kicked from the right hash 20 and middle 32-yard lines.

Defense
Just as at practice this morning, defensive ends Tamba Hali, Brian Johnston and Trevor Johnson didn’t suit up this afternoon. Hali and Johnston participated in the low-contact drills, but Johnson didn’t take part in any drills.
Defensive Coordinator Gunther Cunningham really focused on his linebackers covering the man in motion throughout today’s practice. He spent quite a while on practice field three having his men shuffle while an offensive player went in motion. Not only did they practice covering the basic motion, but a quick run through on how to cover the i-motion was also practiced.
Members of the offense got together with the linebackers to work on covering the short pass. Linebacker Derrick Johnson tripped and fell while covering tight end John Paul Foschi. Foschi was still unable to make the grab for a completion. His next time up, Johnson covered his man well, and his fellow linebackers complimented his improvement, “Good job, baby, good job,” they cheered. Linebacker E.J. Kuale almost made a pick during the drill. Later, linebacker Demorrio Williams had an interception, and Defensive Coordinator Gunther Cunningham told him his work was “outstanding.”

When the defense came together as a whole and ran some drills with the dummies, Defensive Coordinator Gunter Cunningham seemed irritated when he hollered to his players, “in Spanish, they say ‘uno’, in German, they say ‘eins’, in English, we say ‘one.’ Got that?! ONE!”
Rookie cornerback Brandon Flowers had an interception off quarterback Tyler Thigpen during a 7-on-7 drill.

During an 11-on-11 drill, defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey was having difficulties with his pads, so defensive end Turk McBride gave him a hand. When linebacker Pat Thomas failed on his coverage, allowing a pass to be completed to tight end Brad Cottam, Defensive Coordinator Gunther Cunningham said, “I’m gonna kill him. Hey Pat! There’s no excuse for that.” A nicely thrown ball to wide receiver Maurice Price was dropped when cornerback Rashad Barksdale applied good pressure. While the second and third strings worked, Defensive Line Coach Tim Krumrie worked with Dorsey on clubbing with his arms and getting by the blockers.
The team would split to practice more drills before coming together again for more 11-on-11. Defensive end Turk McBride made an excellent stop for what would have been a huge tackle in a live-game scenario. This lit up fellow defensive end Tamba Hali. “Good job, Turk. Good job, Turk. That’s how you practice now!” Hali hollered. When defensive end Jason Parker grabbed a hold of running back Kolby Smith’s jersey, Head Coach Herm Edwards had to yell down field, “Don’t grab his jersey. Don’t grab his jersey, please!”
The team then ran a situation drill that lasted two minutes. On the offense’s final play, cornerback Dimitri Patterson came up with an interception in the end zone. Patterson’s big play ended the drill in a win for the first string defense. The second string offense was who prevailed when they ran the drill, however. A key defensive play came from safety Jon McGraw when he got his hands on a ball from quarterback Tyler Thigpen intended for wide receiver Will Franklin. McGraw didn’t make an interception, but his deflection stopped Franklin from completed a huge play.

Offense
Quarterback Brodie Croyle sat out the no-pads afternoon practice as well as the morning session. Tight end Tony Gonzalez and offensive tackle Damion McIntosh also sat out the afternoon practice.
The offensive line split up and worked on blocking three teammates with pads while the quarterbacks warmed up throwing balls to wide receivers. Assistant Offensive Line Coach Joe D'Alessandris told his offensive line to, "play with a lot of energy," as the players worked on coming out of their stance.

While the rest of the team worked on field goal formations, running back Larry Johnson leaned on a dummy and wide receivers Devard Darling, Jabari Arthur, Dwayne Bowe and Kevin McMahan all played catch.
The tight ends, running backs and linebackers then faced off in a one-on-one drill as Head Coach Herm Edwards encouraged the linebackers to, "stay outside! Make the play but stay outside." At that same time the wide receivers caught balls from the quarterbacks with the defensive backs covering them. This drill was highlighted by a diving catch made by wide receiver Bobby Sippio that may or may not have been ruled a completion as he was being covered by cornerback Rashad Barksdale.
After a near-grab wide receiver Dwayne Bowe jumped up and ruled it a catch, prompting cornerback Patrick Surtain to argue with Bowe over the legitimacy of the play. Bowe jokingly yelled in Surtain's face: "The ground can't cause that!"
Right at the start of the offense versus defense session, quarterback Damon Huard, who looked like a different quarterback in Wednesday afternoon's practice than he has all of training camp, completed a 40-yard pump-and-go to wide receiver Dwayne Bowe down the sideline.

Wide receiver Bobby Sippio continued to have a great afternoon practice when he made a leaping catch on a high throw from quarterback Tyler Thigpen during an 11-on-11 session.
Quarterback Damon Huard continued to look good as he went 5-6 during a 7-on-7 drill, including a 20-yard strike to rookie tight end Brad Cottam, which Cottam made a great one-handed grab on.

Quarterback Damon Huard started the two-minute drill by marching the first string offense down the field to the defensive 23-yard line after converting a 3-and-10 when wide receiver Jeff Webb made a leaping catch to keep the drive alive. Huard then took a shot into the end zone intended for wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, which was incomplete, but Bowe thought he was interfered with. Head Coach Herm Edwards responded to Bowe's complaining by yelling, "we're on the road, ain't gonna be no call on the road!" Huard was intercepted on the next play, thus thwarting the first string's touchdown hopes.
Quarterback Tyler Thigpen completed 6-9 passes in the second string's two-minute drill as the backup squad marched down the field. Thigpen found wide receiver Jeff Webb for three of his six completions before hitting wide receiver Bobby Sippio for a touchdown from the 2-yard line.

The In-Zone
He’s consistent. He’s solid. He’s looking for a starting linebacker position. He has received practice time with the primary and secondary teams and, like so many other players on the team, Demorrio Williams has just over two weeks of training camp left to make his goal a reality. Although his fate is uncertain, the Chiefs—who acquired Williams as an unrestricted free agent from the Atlanta Falcons in March—are certain about his abilities. Williams’ speed and consistency will enable him to contribute as a right outside linebacker and make him a presence on special teams.
Williams entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick in the 2004 draft. He is a University of Nebraska alumnus that started his colligate career playing at Kilgore, Texas, Junior College. The first-team All-Big 12 Conference selection graduated with a degree in sociology. The Beckville, Texas native currently resides in Kansas City, Mo.

Today at Practice:
1. He worked on keeping low and light as he worked with fellow linebackers running a series of patterns in a drill that focused on reading the pass and run routes of the ball carrier.
2. Lining up on the 30, Williams hit dummies that represented the offensive line. He drove the dummies up in the tackling simulation drill.
3. “Get in there, we’ve got to fight,’ said Defensive Coordinator Gunther Cunningham as Williams ran through a drill the involved a five-man sled. He went down the line hitting every other pad from the left to right before doing the same thing going from the right to left. This simulated the crossover move. He was fired up with energy and passion as he did the drill and let out plenty of grunts.
4. At 4:26 he joined the offense for a run of 11-on-11. He played against quarterbacks Damon Huard and Tyler Thigpen switching in and out as the playmaker.
5. Williams would participate in a 6-on-6 drill in which he would intercept a pass. Cunningham would tell him his work was “outstanding.”
6. Williams had a friendly shoving match with wide receiver Bobby Sippio after Sippio sneaked by Williams on a route to the right sideline during another session of 11-on-11.
What Willilams Thinks of the Chiefs
“I played in the Midwest before and I kind of like the fans and the crowd. I also like the young team here and I think that we are building something special. We’ve got a lot of young guys who are working and I feel like that is a plus for this team. Last year the record wasn’t that good, but I think this season’s team has big plans.”

Extra Extra...
At 3:27 an air horn blew to signal it was time for warm ups and stretching before practice began. The players that began their warm ups at this time were mostly players who contribute on special teams. While special teams worked on practice field two, quarterbacks, linemen and other players who don’t play on special teams warmed up under the instruction of Strength and Conditioning Coach Cedric Smith on field one.
Fullback Chris Manderino spoke with a member of the media for a few minutes after practice. He discussed how he has made his transition to the fullback position and said it is a position he has become accustomed to. “Keep working hard. Stay healthy and just impress people out here,” said Manderino of how he will make it through camp and find a place on the roster, “I’ve had a good camp so far.”

Linebacker Pat Thomas spoke with some members of the press after practice. He said camp has been going good so far, and the competition among the linebackers makes it even better. Thomas says that adjusting to the new defense is where he has been putting the most work in. When asked if he felt he could be the starting middle linebacker, Thomas looked at the reporter with a confident face and said, “I can be our middle linebacker.” When the topic of fellow linebacker Napoleon Harris battling for the same spot as Thomas was brought up, Thomas said the decision is up to the coaches, but “may the best man win.” When asked what it was like to work with Defensive Coordinator Gunther Cunningham, Thomas said, “I’d like to say ‘hell.’” Thomas then chuckled and continued by saying that Cunningham pushes the linebackers, and they take his hard attitude for what it’s worth. Thomas feels the practice with the Vikings will be refreshing. “It will be good to hit someone in a different colored jersey,” he said. Thomas also addressed the scrum he was involved in during this morning’s practice. Not many comments were made, but he did say, “Linebackers don’t take nothing from nobody.” To close his interview, Thomas commented on how training camp reminds him of playing for North Carolina State in college. The time off the players are given needs to be taken seriously. People need to get ice on sore body parts and stay in bed if they’re tired, Thomas thinks.

Linebacker Derrick Johnson also spent some time with reporters after practice. When asked how he looked forward to seeing former Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen – who happens to be a friend of Johnson’s – at the Vikings/Chiefs practice, Johnson said, “Jared Allen’s crazy. He’s off the wall, but in a good way. He’s a silly character, so we’re kind of expecting some sort of gimmick. But we respect him, and he respects us.” Johnson views the Allen trade as a win/win situation for everyone who was involved. Johnson was also asked about playing under Defensive Coordinator Gunther Cunningham. “Everyone thinks he’s crazy, but he’s just very passionate. He’s not as crazy as you think,” Johnson said. “He instills great football into us so we can be great.” Next, Johnson talked about rookie defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey. “Dorsey’s a beast,” Johnson said. Johnson thinks that having Dorsey at the tackle spot will open him up to make plays. Johnson knows that offenses are going to have to focus more attention on Dorsey, and that’s what the linebackers like. “Dorsey’s not just a big guy. He can make big plays, too.” Running the man-to-man is working out well for Johnson, who says that his athleticism makes it easy to adjust. He ended his interview by saying that working with tight end Tony Gonzalez is good for him as a linebacker. “Tony’s the best tight end in the league and a future Hall of Famer, so of course it’s good for me to go up against him.”

ESPN’s John Clayton was at Wednesday’s practice. He said he’s already been at eight training camps so far. He said the Chiefs, “look like a young team.” Despite all of the traveling and long hours Clayton said that he loves his job.
Fans

Lee’s Summit, Mo., sent Chief and golf enthusiasts Don and Judith Vogelsmeier and John and Wendy Acker to the 2008 Kansas City Chief Training Camp. What started out as a guy’s trip years ago has evolved into a family/friend’s social trip. Don and Judith like the area so much that they said even if the Chiefs stop coming to River Falls they still would. They said, “the seven hour drive here was worth it.” While in the River Falls area, they will golf at many of the various golf courses. Don has had Chief season tickets for the last 38 years. Their favorite place to dine is the Copper Kettle in River Falls.
Al King and Roy Johansen made the nine-hour trip to Chiefs camp from Pleasant Hill, Mo. This is their seventh year attending the camp. King is predicting the Chiefs to win six or seven games this season and even more in the next couple of years. Both Johansen and King love the River Falls area but wish the Chiefs training camp was closer to home.
Ron and Betty Tempest from Independence, Mo., are enjoying their time at Chiefs training camp. This is their first year coming and both are impressed with the practice fields and facilities. They will be watching the Chiefs all week and are looking forward to watching how Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen will be welcomed when he comes to town Thursday night.
The Watter family has made the Chiefs camp an annual family trip. Brian, with wife Linda, have been bringing their three children Chelsy, Amanda and Zachary to Chiefs camp for the last three years. They are camping at Willow River State Park and plan on staying all week. Brian really wants to get Chiefs offensive guard Brian Waters’ autograph before they head back home to Stewartville, Minn. Brian has a sports bar in his basement full of Kansas City Chief autographed memorabilia.

After practice, Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe joked with reporters about rooming with quarterback Brodie Croyle. “Brodie is old school. I know he is young but he is the old school type.” Bowe went on to talk about how he is trying to get Croyle to like hip-hop music. When asked if he would listen to Croyle’s country music Bowe said, “I would listen to it. At the very least I would give it a shot and learn the lyrics.” He is still waiting for Croyle’s wife to mail them some country/rock music. Near the end of the interview, Bowe said that tomorrow night will be just a little preview of what to expect this upcoming year.
St. Paul, Minn., residents Drew and Tina Backus made there way to River Falls this afternoon to catch the practice. The two aren’t really Chief fans, but do like Herm Edwards as a coach because he presents himself strong vocally. Last camp the couple made their way to Mankato, Minn., for the practice between the Chiefs and the Vikings and plan on being back tomorrow for the local version.

Veterans of 16 years at camp Terryl Lilluis joined by her husband, enjoyed camp in the east end bleachers. Terryl talked about wanting to come to the Chiefs and Vikings practice on Thursday, but their daughter is in a state soccer tournament. The two locals said they have had fun in past years seeing the fireworks at Family Fun Night. In the past the two enjoyed when wide receiver Randy Moss and quarterback Daunte Culpepper came to RF with the Vikings.

A concerned fan, Doug Flaherty talked about the possibility of the Chiefs leaving River Falls in the near future and moving training camp to Arrowhead Stadium. He said it would be too hot down there and too much of a zoo. Doug is from Pocahontas, Iowa and has been at camp since 1990 when Marty Schottenheimer was the head coach. While Doug is in RF he plans on shooting some golf at the Clifton Hollow course tomorrow. He said they have a promotional Chiefs deal that allows him to shoot golf for $30, with a cart included.

Former Chiefs tight end Walter White was on the sidelines at practice. White spent five years with Kansas City from 1975-80. He wore No. 88, which is now worn by tight end Tony Gonzalez. “Tony has broken every record I had with the team,” White said with a smile on his face. White brought his good friend Tom Gunn up here with him. White is now in the banking industry. He works at Commerce Bank in Kansas City, working with pension plans and giving people financial advice. He’s here for a few days and is looking forward to watching the Chiefs/Vikings practice tomorrow night. He was seen with a rather large red, diamond ring. He received it while being a Kansas City Chief Ambassador, which is an organization that’s huge in community service. He said the Kansas City organization is a, “great organization that does lots of good things in the community. Their main objective is football. They’re also the loudest stadium in the NFL…by far!” White was also up here with Jody Kaaz, Alison Smith, James Gladuieux, and Andrew Berg who are all from Leavenworth, Kan. White, Kaaz, Smith, Gladuieux, and Berg attended a dinner, auction, and golf tournament to benefit United Way of Leavenworth, Kansas. United Way of Leavenworth, Kansas auctioned off a package for a few days stay to Chiefs Training Camp, which White received. Armed Forces Insurance with Commerce Bank covered the group’s stay and Kaaz-Lexeco Construction covered the group’s airfare.

Tom Condon from Claire, Iowa made the four-hour drive to training camp this morning. He drove up with his two sons and one grandson. They plan to leave Friday morning. He’s looking forward to seeing tight end Tony Gonzalez and punter Dustin Colquitt at the Chiefs/Vikings practice tomorrow night. His favorite players are Gonzalez and Colquitt. Condon and family are looking forward to indulging in Luigi’s Pizza before they head back to Iowa.
Ron Adams ventured nine hours north from Paola, Kan. He came here Monday and isn’t sure when his wife and him are going back home. He’s looking forward to seeing the draft picks and how they look on the field. His favorite player is tight end Tony Gonzalez. When asked about how the Chiefs are going to do this up-coming season, he said, “we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”

Four small children were seen running and playing with a football in the grassy area next to the practice fields.
Chiefs Vice President Denny Thum was at today’s practice. He spent time on the sidelines talking to different coaches.